a. Applicability. It is expressly declared that all of the provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property within the incorporated territory of the City whether owned by private persons, firms or corporations or by the government of the United States of America or any of its agencies or by the State of California or any of its political subdivisions or agencies, unless the Federal or State activity is specifically exempted from local review or by any county, including the County of Lake, town or municipal corporation or any of its or their agencies or by any district formed under the laws of the State of California. No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered in any manner, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose, other than as permitted by and in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws or maps referred to herein.

b. Exemptions.